Okay. So every now and again I get a whirlwind of inspiration to try something new. Such happened about a week ago when, thanks to the example of Marc Gunn, I decided I’d like to plan a trip to Scotland focusing on the history and mythology in our fantasy series Rowan of the Wood.
Before I spend a great deal of time, energy, and money, I’d like to see if there is a general interest among our fans, friends, and followers to accompany us on this journey.
I’ve put together a *very* preliminary itinerary… this is so very subject to change, as I haven’t gathered any prices for the hotels/areas or even seen if they have availability.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Day trip down to Rosslyn Chapel. Filled with Green Men. Also featured in The Davinci Code.
Evening in Edinburgh
Day 2: Isle of Mull
Drive to the Isle of Mull (approx. 4 hours + ferry ride)
(here we might also look into stopping in Argyll on the way…LOADS of pictish sites there)
Check into Hotel (either on Mull or at the Argyll Hotel on Iona)
Free Afternoon/Evening
Day 3: Isle of Mill/Iona
Visit the Loch Buie Stone Cirle, Mull Where Rowan and Fiana were wed/tragically separated.
Visit Iona Abbey. Built in honor of St. Columba, the converter of the picts and mentioned in the books.
Day 4: Loch Ness & Aviemore
Visit the infamous Loch Ness (about 3.5 hrs from Mull) and try to see Nessie!
Continue onto Aviemore to the Rowan Tree Hotel, where we will stay for two nights (if we can get in). It’s near The Cairngorm National Park in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Perhaps there is even a Rowan tree there!
Day 5: Aberdeen & Stonehaven
Day trip to Stonehaven (2 hr one way) – optional. Here we see the remains of Stonehaven Castle. Part of Zefferelli’s Hamlet was shot there.
See the Picardy Stone, one of the oldest Pictish stones. Carved in the 7th c… 100 years after Rowan.
Visit an Ogham stone in Brandsbut, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. One of the very few left in Scotland.
** Here is where there is a choice. Would you rather pack up and leave to a new hotel each night for Day 4/5 (staying in Inverness one day and Aberdeen the second) or stay at a centrally located hotel. It’s about the same amount of driving, maybe more to stay centrally located.**
Day 6-8: Edinburgh
After a 2.5 hr drive from the Highlands (perhaps with a stop in Perth for more history stuff), spend the rest of your vacation in Edinburgh. Lots of free time to do what you want with optional group events.
National Scottish Museum (their Early People section would cover the Celts & Picts)
Edinburgh Castle
The Edinburgh Dungeon
So much more!
Again, this is just a very preliminary sketch. The final tour might not resemble this one at all. It all depends on the feedback I get from those interested!
Other options: include some Macbeth & Harry Potter stops… other literary interest?
This is staying at the Rowan Tree Hotel or something similar in the middle with day trips to Loch Ness, Inverness, Stonehaven, and Perth… The other option is driving that route and staying in Inverness & Aberdeen at different hotels.
Preliminary quotes using a UK tour guide came back at around $2500 per person based on double occupancy, land price only. This did include meals, however.
The exchange rate from $$USD to £GBP is astronomical at nearly two USD to one GBP. Makes for an expensive trip.
I, however, am determined to get a better rate than that. The more information I have regarding what interested guests might want, the better chance I have of planning a trip that would work for all. Just while composing this blog, I found this: Edinburgh 5 Day Excursion to Mull, etc. This is already less.
CONTACT ME if you are interested and answer the following questions:
1. How much are you willing to pay (land price only) for a Rowan of the Wood themed vacation to Scotland?
2. Would you prefer a program of 5, 7, or 9 days?
3. Do you want it to include meals if possible? (Breakfast & Dinner)
4. Would you rather travel more, moving to 4 or more hotels over the 8-9 days (for example) or travel less, staying in 3 or less hotels over those days? Like perhaps staying only in the Isle of Mull and Edinburgh and taking day trips from there.
5. Would you rather see actual historical sites, even if it means more time on the road? Or would you rather see most of the historical sites in museums & go to places with gift shops and such, staying mostly in Edinburgh and either Mull/Iona or in the Highlands.
6. Do you prefer hotels or B&Bs?
7. Would you prefer April, May, or June for travel?
Please, please, please CONTACT ME if you are interested. I’ll give it until August to get emails from at least 20 interested parties (based on double occupancy) because we need at least 8 (4 couples) to come in order to make this work.
Today is Samhain. This is the day that started it all!
It was the mythology around this sacred pagan new year that inspired our fantasy series.
It’s one of my favorite days of the year, but this year I’m unfortunately spending it in the truck… but we’re finally headed back home.
A year ago today, I started doing a “Celtic Myth” series, writing a blog on every sabbat, so this ends that year of posts. I will still refer back to them on future sabbats.
Additionally! NEW REVIEW FOR Witch on the Water! I specifically like the last sentence
Once again, Christine & Ethan Rose have weaved a thrilling tale of magic and adventure in “Witch on the Water”. Like its predecessor, “Rowan of the Wood”, this is an enchanting page-turner that has it all. It is filled not only with the wizards, vampires and heroes from the first novel, but new enigmatic characters are introduced to take this story by the reins and alter the course of events for our courageous heroes and vicious villains. The numerous plot lines come together so very well and are each in their own right interesting stories that could stand alone as their own novels; especially the journey of the magic wand, which we learn more about in this story. Something very evident in “Witch on the Water” is the tone…it is much darker and dangerous. Sweet, innocent Cullen finally begins to fight all the forces that are against him. Dark, destructive secrets are revealed. The cruel vampire Fiana is more ruthless than ever. From the characters to the intermingling plot lines and transitions, everything is described so descriptively and simplistically that I can’t help but think how well this would render on the big screen. There were times while reading this that I could actually picture in my mind how a director would create the scene. I cannot wait for the veil to the Otherworld to open again next Samhain so I can find out what happens next!
The autumnal equinox known commonly as Mabon is traditionally a day of thanksgiving. The main harvests have been gathered. The store houses are full. Abundance abounds. People celebrate by feasting with their family and friends.
The Druids in the meantime are giving thanks by pouring libations of cider and wine for the trees in the forest. Gifts of fertilizer are given to the earth.
Mother Nature begins her transition from Matron to Crone. The Green Man will shed his finery. The time for labor is drawing to a close. The time for rest approaches.
It is also a time for learning. Tales will be told and wisdom passed around. There will also be plenty of time for quiet contemplation and meditation.
At the Rose household, which is currently camped out at the Kansas City Renaissance Faire and 500 years in the past, we celebrated with a big pot of Christine’s harvest stew. If I’m a really good boy, she might make her famous vegan, organic Pumpkin Cheesecake!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Torte
12 servings — egg- and dairy-free
1 1/3 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 double crackers)
1 cup sugar
1 lb. soft tofu, drained
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
15-oz. can solid-pack pumpkin
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus additional for dusting
4 oz. soy cream cheese ( 1/2 cup), at room temperature (we use Tofutti’s Better Than Cream Cheese)
4 Tbs. soft canola margarine
Crust
Position rack in center of oven; preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 8 1/2-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
Make crust: In food processor, pulse graham cracker crumbs and margarine until evenly moistened. Firmly press crumb mixture into bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides of prepared pan. Bake until set, about 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Keep oven on for baking cheesecake.
Filling
In food processor, puree tofu until smooth. Add pumpkin and process
until blended. Add soy cheese, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves and process until smooth and well combined. Pour mixture into cooled crust and bake on center rack 45 minutes.
Turn oven off. Let cheesecake cool in oven 1 hour without opening door. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate cheesecake at least 8 hours or overnight. (Don’t worry if cheesecake seems a little soft; it will firm up during chilling.)
To serve, run a long, thin knife around inside edge of pan to loosen cake; remove sides of pan. Lightly dust top of cheesecake with cinnamon and serve at room temperature.
PER serving: 201 CAL; 4 G PROT; 7 G TOTAL FAT (2 SAT. FAT); 31 G CARB.; 0 MG CHOL; 100 MG SOD.; 2 G FIBER
Autumn. My favorite season of the year. And it’s followed by Winter, my next favorite season!
During these two seasons, I become uncustomarily domestic. I love to bake, especially, but since we don’t have children and Ethan isn’t too big on sweets, I really don’t bake that often (since I’d eat it ALL). Ethan cooks more often than I do, and we normally make easy things for the convenience, since we hardly stop working long enough to eat. But during Autumn & Winter, I cook & bake. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite recipes with you during these great seasons.
First, a little Mabon History & Lore:
Mabon, the Autumnal Equinox, is one of the four minor Sabbats. It falls generally between September 20-23, but I always celebrate it on the 22nd.
This is the second day of the year when the nights and days are split equally. Today is when the power of the sun begins to diminish, taking us to Yule (Winter Solstice) when the days are the shortest.
It is a time to be thankful of the things you have, which is a lesson that can be applied to the rest of the year as well. Be here in this moment, right now. This is all there is, and it’s beautiful and abundant.
“The Druids call this celebration, Mea’n Fo’mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.” (Mabon by Akasha)
So I will be painting my Green Men on glass ornaments today in honor of this day and in preparation for the coming Yuletide season. I’ll post pictures on Facebook and Twitter, so follow me!
We’re also going to celebrate Mabon today with great feasts! This morning, I will thoroughly enjoy a pumpkin spice mocha along with a pumpkin scone from Starbucks and this evening I’ll make my favorite dish: Harvest Stew. Recipe below:
Bountiful Harvest Stew
This is everyone’s favorite stew! It looks as good as it tastes, and the winter squash is a wonderful source of beta carotene. For a really festive look, serve it in a hollowed out bread bowl or pumpkin.
Nutrition info per serving:
132 calories
5 g protein
27 g carbohydrate
0.5 g fat
267 mg sodium
0 mg cholesterol
Servings: 8
Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
1/2 cups water or vegetable stock
1 cup water
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp chili powder
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 tsp cumin
4 large cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 pound (about 4 cups) butternut or other winter squash
1 15-ounce can black beans
1 15-ounce can crushed or ground tomatoes
1 1/2 cups corn, fresh or frozen
Heat the water and soy sauce in a large pot, then add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and most of the water has evaporated.
Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds, then peel it and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
Add the squash to the onions, along with the chopped tomatoes, water, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and pepper. Cover and simmer until the squash is just tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
Add the black beans with their liquid and the corn. Continue cooking another 5 minutes.
Tips:
Cooking the onions in water instead of oil reduces the fat in this dish with no loss of flavor.
Try frozen white corn for extra sweetness and flavor.
Canned beans can be replaced with beans cooked from dry.
Fresh or frozen tomatoes may be used instead of the canned tomatoes simply extends the cooking time to reduce cooking liquid to desired level. Peeled tomatoes are most commonly used, but leaving the skins on makes the dish more nutrient rich.
Today is the major sabbat of Lughnasadh. It’s a traditional Celtic pagan festival supposedly started by the god Lugh. It marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Traditionally, this is the day that couples would enter into a trial commitment, getting married for a “year and a day.” Ethan and I did this in the first year of our relationship. With the divorce rate what it is in this country, I think a trial marriage is a great idea.
This is done by handfasting, a ritual where the couples hands are tied together with some sort of ceremonial rope or plaited material. In our book, Rowan of the Wood, Rowan and Fiana’s hands are tied together like this during their wedding ceremony.
Also traditional on this day is a festival-like market place where artists and entertainers would showcase their talents and merchants would gather to sell food, crafts, clothing, etc. There was great music and storytelling and merrymaking! Seems fitting that we’re at the Washington Renaissance Festival today, where we’ll be doing all of those things!
Gaelic Storm came out on stage at the Colorado Irish Festival and began to play. Evening was just beginning to descend upon what had been a very hot and sunny day. Before they could get through their first song the rain was pouring down and the wind was fiercely blowing. Having successfully called down a mother of a storm, the Gaels left the stage, leaving the roadies to battle wind-whipped tars as they desperately raced to cover thousands of dollars worth of audio equipment.
Elsewhere throughout the festival, vendors did the same. Hordes of patrons dressed in shorts and t-shirts fled for the gates or huddled under what shelter they could find and hadn’t blown down already. The more daring and intoxicated (this is an Irish festival after all and while I hate to stereo type there where over 150 kegs stacked up outside the beer pavilion on Sunday morning) shed shoes and wet shirts to dance in the rain.
As the storm first descended, I found myself host to a pack of damp refugees. I had already dropped three of the sides to our booth and brought the rack of books inside, but it soon became apparent that more was needed. The wind shifted to drive the rain horizontally through the front opening. Realizing the futility of their position, my guests fled allowing me to drop the last tarp.
But my hopes of creating a square of shelter were frustrated by the wind’s violence. Rain was blown in through all the seams and the roof began to leak. I covered the books with a giant plastic bag and frantically began piling everything else in the driest spots I could find. The tent sides where flapping so hard they where knocking things off the shelves.
By this time water was flowing across the ground, soaking the bottom of whatever boxes rested on it. Then I lost electricity. The wind had blown apart my power cord connection. The tent was coming free of its moorings and all I could do was hang on to it and hope the whole thing didn’t blow away. I had already shed my soaked shirt and shoes, and was clad only in wet shorts and a semi dry table cloth cloak.
An eternal five minutes later the wind decreased and the rain let up. A few minutes more and it was all over. I dug a dry shirt out of the depths of my pack. I plugged the lights back in. All that was left was to assess the damage and begin clean up. Just another night in the humdrum life of an author.
The people were very friendly, both administration and fellow vendors.
The site was magical! When the wind blew, cottonwood snow drifted through the air and hundreds of dragonflies darted through the glades like dancing fairies.
It was set within woodland glades. The crowds were not large, but business was good. Plenty of parking and plenty of great entertainment. Definitely worth returning next year.
Our next event was the Fort Collins Irish Festival. I can only give them four stars. Business was good, and the music was great. The people there were also very friendly. We had a beautiful spot beneath the protective shade of a lovely tree, and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. We were able to park the Geekalicious Gypsy Caravan just two blocks down, right next to a park! It was perfect for the girls!
The festival lost a star for lack of convenience, however.
It was held in the center of town, which meant we couldn’t start setting up until after five on Friday when normal business was over for the day. We had a book signing that evening from six to eight so we couldn’t even begin setting up until nine, in the dark.
Teardown was even worse. We had to break down and pack up by six a.m. Monday morning. The event ended at ten pm. Again breaking down in the dark after a twelve hour day. We didn’t get to bed until after midnight.
Today is Litha. Midsummer. The Summer Solstice. AKA Alban Hefin, Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Feill-Sheathain, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide, Vestalia, Thing-tide, St. John’s Day
Whew.
It is the longest day of the year. The beginning of the death of the sun. From here until Yule (Winter Solstice), the days get shorter.
This is one of the “lesser festivals” in Celtic Mythology and neo-pagan traditions. The “greater festivals” are Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. The “lesser festivals” are the two equinoxes (Ostara & Mabon) and the two solstices (Litha & Yule).
Traditionally, Litha was celebrated halfway between Beltane and Lughnasadh. Today it falls somewhere between June 20 and June 23, depending on the earth’s rotation. For 2009, the actual time that the sun is farthest from the earth is June 21st at 1:45am EST.
Normally, when not on the road, we celebrate Litha by burning the Yule Wreath in a celebration of life and light. This solstice, we’re enjoying talking to people, selling our wares, and signing our books at the Ft. Collins Irish Festival. We will be taking a moment or two aside for celebration.
I forgot to write a blog today!! My computer is at my mother’s, and we’re now on location for the Texas Scottish Games. The only way I have to blog from the iPhone at the moment is via Flickr (which I later had to come back to fix because it doesn’t work right with WordPress!).
It is supposed to be video Friday, but I dropped the ball! Hopefully
I’ll get one up by tomorrow, but no promises.
For now, enjoy this silly picture of me and my new obsession. Those of
you who follow me on FB or Twitter know what I’m talking about.
While you’re here, check out yesterday’s post and claim a chapter!
Today is Samhain. This is the day that started it all!
A joyous Mabon to everyone!
It’s’ finally here again!
Ingredients
Today is the major sabbat of Lughnasadh. It’s a traditional Celtic pagan festival supposedly started by the god Lugh. It marks the beginning of the harvest season.
Today is Litha. Midsummer. The Summer Solstice. AKA Alban Hefin, Sun Blessing, Gathering Day, Feill-Sheathain, Whit Sunday, Whitsuntide, Vestalia, Thing-tide, St. John’s Day
